As long as I can remember, I’ve been “sensitive.” Adults described me that way when I was a child, and as I got older, I often heard “You’re being too sensitive.”
It wasn’t until five or so years ago that I learned that being “highly sensitive” is actually a thing! Once I learned that I am a Highly Sensitive Person, I was able to better understand how to practice self-care, set boundaries, and respond to difficult stimuli and emotions.
For a pregnant or birthing individual, being highly sensitive can be a big factor. But first, how can you know if you are “highly sensitive”? Here are a few clues:
- Sensitivity to sensory stimuli (light, noise, smells, etc.)
- Easily affected by the moods of others
- Avoidance of violent and emotionally intense movies, TV shows, and books
- Sensitivity to pain
- Needing quiet to recover from busyness
- Deep introspection/vibrant inner life
- Easily affected by the arts
- Resistant to change
This is not an exhaustive list, and you may not identify with each of these if you are an HSP. Fortunately, there are other ways to determine where you fall on the sensitivity scale. SensitivityResearch.com is a great resource for information about this topic, and even includes a quiz developed by researchers to determine your sensitivity level. Once you have determined that you are an HSP, what does that mean for your pregnancy and birth journey? The biggest thing to consider is how you can best take care of yourself and be supported during this time. Here are a few tips that can be helpful:
- Prioritize self care (especially relaxation and quiet time) during pregnancy
- Make sure your partner knows your needs
- Avoid sensational pregnancy/birth-related media – no horror stories of things that could go wrong!
- Hire a doula! (Yes, I am biased on this one – but the overstimulation and intensity of birth can be mitigated by a professional.)
- Give some thought to what can make your birth space more comfortable and relaxing
- Give feedback on comfort measures to support people
Being a Highly Sensitive Person can be an overwhelming, and even frightening, experience. But knowing and understanding High Sensitivity, and having support, can help turn your sensitivity into an asset.
